The race for the playoffs in the IPL 2023 is heating up, and the Punjab Kings, led by Shikhar Dhawan, suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of a playoff spot. A 15-run loss against the Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on Wednesday has put their chances in jeopardy. With one match remaining, the Punjab Kings remain in contention, but their path to the next stage seems incredibly narrow.
In their upcoming fixture, Punjab will face off against the Rajasthan Royals, which is scheduled for Friday. A defeat for either team will effectively end their campaign, while a win will offer a glimmer of hope, particularly for Punjab.
Looking at the points table, both Punjab and Rajasthan have accumulated 12 points from 13 matches. However, Rajasthan holds a slight advantage with a positive net run rate (NRR) of +0.140, compared to Punjab’s -0.308 NRR.
For Punjab to have a chance at qualifying, they will not only need a victory but also require a substantial margin of victory at the majestic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
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However, the fate of both Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals relies heavily on other teams, particularly the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Currently positioned 10th, the Sunrisers will face the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. A victory for the Sunrisers would keep RCB at 12 points from 13 matches. RCB boasts a positive NRR of +0.166.
Nonetheless, the playoff hopes for both Punjab and Rajasthan will be dashed if the Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and RCB emerge victorious in their remaining fixtures.
CSK and LSG currently sit at 15 points each, with CSK set to face the Delhi Capitals in their final league match. Lucknow, on the other hand, will travel to Kolkata for their last league fixture.
A win for both CSK and LSG would elevate them to 17 points, securing their place in the playoffs. However, a defeat for either team could make the situation intriguing, as RCB and Mumbai Indians still have a chance to finish with 16 points at the end of the league stage. The race to the playoffs is on a knife’s edge, promising thrilling encounters in the remaining matches of the IPL 2023.